Toxicologists of African Origin (TAO)

President’s Message

Dear distinguished colleagues and friends,

It was a great pleasure to meet everyone in Orlando, FL, and at the TAO mixer.

I am deeply honored to have your support in serving as your president once again. I am excited about the road ahead.

TAO was established to support and enhance the diversity and inclusivity initiatives of the Society of Toxicology. Our mission is to promote the professional development and representation of toxicologists of African descent while fostering scientific excellence within our communities. Today, we are more than just a group; we are a growing network of experts, mentors, innovators, and changemakers representing the African continent and the diaspora across various sectors, including industry, academia, and public health.

Over the past years, we have made significant progress through impactful webinars, mentorship programs, and scholarships, establishing a strong presence at the SOT Annual Meetings. We must strengthen our collective voice and increase our visibility. None of this would have been possible without your passion, active participation, commitment, and ongoing support.

Those who served before us have provided a strong foundation to build upon. However, our work is not finished. Each of us must commit to mentoring the next generation of toxicologists of African descent. We need to promote scientific collaboration across borders and institutions, engage in global health challenges that affect our communities, and ensure that our expertise is represented in the Society of Toxicology (SOT) and key discussions, ranging from regulatory science to environmental justice.

We possess both knowledge and a voice. We must continue to show up, share, and uplift others as we progress.

Everyone has something valuable and unique to contribute to TAO. Whether you can spare 30 minutes or two hours a month, there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer for a committee, host a career talk, mentor a student, give webinars, write articles for our newsletters, or attend our events. Your engagement is what keeps TAO alive and thriving.

If you ask, “What difference can you make?” I assure you that you are the difference. This is your organization, your community, and your platform. Let’s embrace it.

I encourage you to help us increase our visibility, highlight African contributions to toxicology, and strengthen our connections with scientists and institutions across the globe. Please share your ideas and bring your passion. Together, let’s transform TAO from just a Special Interest Group (SIG) into a driving force for equity, diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in the field of toxicology.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Executive Committee: Tamara House-Knight (Vice President), Wilson Rumbeiha (Past President), Olukayode Jegede (Secretary/Treasurer), Kiara Fairman (Councilor), Esther Haugabrooks (Councilor), Crystal Roach (Postdoctoral Representative), and Nashae Prout (Graduate Student Representative). I also want to extend my appreciation to our past leaders, volunteers, and each of you for the invaluable work you have done and continue to do. Thank you all!

Let it not be said that we had the opportunity to make TAO a more vibrant SIG within SOT, yet we did not. Let it also not be said that we were able to raise our voices, share our scientific knowledge, and support one another, yet we chose not to do so.

Let’s move forward together. Let’s rally behind the Executive Committee with pride in our identity, purpose in our mission, and unity in our stride. Remember that the future of toxicology includes us, and it is brighter because of us.

Thank you.

Bernard Gadagbui, MSc, PhD, DABT, UKRT

2025–2026 TAO President